India secured a decisive victory over South Africa in the first T20 International match held at Kingsmead, Durban, on November 8, 2024. In their 20 overs, India scored 202 runs for 8 wickets.
Sanju Samson scored 107 runs off 50 balls including 10 sixes and 7 fours, making him the first Indian to score back-to-back centuries in T20Is. He achieved his second consecutive T20I century, making him the first Indian to score back-to-back centuries in T20Is.
In response, South Africa was bowled out for 141 runs in just 17.5 overs, resulting in a 61-run defeat for the hosts. India’s spin duo of Varun Chakaravarthy (3 wickets for 25 runs) and Ravi Bishnoi (3 wickets for 28 runs) played pivotal roles in dismantling the South African batting lineup.
This victory marks a strong start for India in the T20 series following their recent World Cup success against South Africa.
For his sublime century in the 1st T20I, Sanju Samson receives the Player of the Match award.
Sanju Samson’s innings was the highlight of the match
Sanju Samson’s innings was indeed the highlight of the match, as he scored a remarkable 107 runs off just 50 balls, marking his second consecutive T20I century. This performance made him the first Indian to achieve back-to-back T20I hundreds. His innings featured 10 sixes and 7 fours, showcasing his ability to dominate both pace and spin bowlers effectively. Samson’s explosive batting laid a strong foundation for India’s total of 202 runs, contributing significantly to their eventual 61-run victory over South Africa.
How did South Africa’s bowlers perform despite the loss?
Despite the loss, South Africa’s bowlers showed resilience, particularly in the latter stages of the innings. Gerald Coetzee stood out, taking 3 wickets for 37 runs, effectively limiting India’s scoring in the final overs. The duo of Coetzee and Marco Jansen excelled in the death overs, conceding only 40 runs in the last six overs. Captain Aiden Markram acknowledged that while their initial bowling strategy faltered against Sanju Samson’s onslaught, their ability to regroup and restrict runs later was a positive takeaway from the match.
Photo Credit: BCCI
